Reviewing the 2007 Draft: AL Third Round

For the next two weeks, in honor of the upcoming MLB Amateur Draft today and tomorrow, I will be devoting my posts to a review of the 2007 draft. Last week I looked at the National League’s first three rounds (plus the supplemental first round). Today, let’s take a look at how some of the key American League third round picks are faring in their first full season in professional baseball.

Nick Barnese (Tampa Bay) had an encouraging pro debut in Rookie Ball but the youngster began 2008 in extended spring training, where he will remain until short season leagues get underway shortly after the draft.

Danny Duffy (Kansas City) began the year in extended spring training before moving up to the Midwest League in late May. He has made three starts and has struggled with an 8.49 ERA in 11.2 innings. He has allowed 16 hits and five walks to go along with 18 strikeouts.

Danny Carroll (Seattle) had a great start to the year before hitting the disabled list in late April. He was hitting .339/.413/.429 in 56 at-bats. Carroll had 10 stolen bases in 13 attempts.

Evan Reed (Texas), a college reliever, was shifted to the starting rotation by the Rangers. He is currently pitching in High-A ball and has a 4.64 ERA in 42.2 innings with 47 hits allowed. He has walked 24 batters and struck out 34. Reed made one emergency start at Double-A and did not allow a run in five innings.

Alan Farina (Toronto) began the year working as a tandem starter but that did not work out so he went back to strictly being a reliever. He was recently added to the disabled list, though. Before the DL trip, Farina had a 3.29 ERA in 27.1 innings. He allowed 17 hits and 13 walks. Farina also racked up 37 strikeouts.

Matt Harvey (Los Angeles) did not sign with the Angels and followed through on his commitment to the University of North Carolina.

John Ely (Chicago) is quietly having a nice season. The right-hander has a 3.96 ERA in High-A ball. In 63.2 innings, he has allowed 61 hits, 18 walks and has struck out 60 batters.

Sam Demel (Oakland) currently has a 3.33 ERA at High-A ball in 24.1 innings. He has allowed 18 hits and 14 walks. The former college reliever has struck out 35 batters.

Luke Putkonen (Detroit) has yet to appear for the Tigers this season and is currently in extended spring training. Angel Morales (Minnesota) and Brock Huntzinger (Boston) also in extended spring training.

Ryan Pope (New York) is currently on the disabled list, but he was putting together a nice season in High-A ball. He had a 2.81 ERA in 51.1 innings and had allowed 54 hits and only eight walks. Pope had struck out 36 batters.

Well that is it for a look back at the 2007 draft, so we now need to look to the future. And today just happens to be Draft Day… so head on over to BaseballAmerica.com, MLB.com or BaseballAnalysts.com for some excellent 2008 Amateur Draft coverage.